Mr. Prime Minister,

SOCEPP expresses its support to the ongoing dialogue/negotiation between the EPRDF and the opposition UEDF and hopes that the talks will result in agreeing to measures that would end the violation of the rights of the people as concerns the right to freely choose their rulers and representatives.

As you very well know, Mr. Prime Minister, the jails and prisons in the country, from Addis Abeba to Quiha, from Makalle to Arba Minch, from Asaita to Jimma etc hold very many political prisoners. Very near to your own palace, there are Abera Yemaneab, Fitawrari Mekonen Dori and many other prisoners suffering in Kaliti. EPRP leaders and members such as Aberash Berta, Tesfaye Kebede, Wondusirak Desta, and many others are also being held in secret locations. EPRP leaders such as Tsegaye Gebre medhin,Sitotaw Hussein,Yishak Debretsion and Belete Amha have disappeared after being imprisoned. The list of political prisoners and the disappeared is long. Oromo, Somalis, Amaras, Anuaks and others have complained that many of their kin have been sent to prison for political reasons. Aba Amhayesus and other priests, sheikhs and religious officials have also been jailed. Journalists also fall within this category, they are political prisoners. Any one denied due process of law and imprisoned is in custody illegally.

Mr. Prime Minster,

If your government is serious about respecting the right of the people it should first and foremost RELEASE ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS. That the EPRDF negotiates with the opposition while political prisoners are still held illegally does not cast a positive light on the intentions or motives of the EPRDF. All political prisoners must be released. Account must be given on the fate of the disappeared. Those responsible for summary executions or massacres should be made to answer before the law and the people. The foul air of injustice must be cleaned. We call upon you to release all political prisoners and to take the bold and necessary steps to end the trampling on the rule of law and the basic rights of the people. The demand to respect the rights of the people is of course not negotiable.

SOCEPP